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Published: 2 February, 2022

advocated strongly for addressing persistent inequities existing within the system and meeting the needs of people who are underserved by the system. “While the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill is a chance to prepare for a system that best serves those whose health outcomes are deteriorating, it is important

Published: 4 January, 2023

Te Hiringa Mahara congratulates our Board Chair Hayden Wano on being made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in the New Year’s Honours List 2023, for his service to Māori health. The award reflects Mr Wano’s 40 years-plus health sector experience in mental health, community and medical

Published: January 2026

Briefing to the Incoming Minister February 2025 Following the changes to the Minister for Health and Minister for Youth in February 2025, Te Hiringa Mahara -- Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission provided the following briefings to the incoming Ministers. Read and download our Briefing to the

Published: 5 February, 2023

population, rural issues are disproportionately Māori issues. A uniquely Māori response to some of the pandemic’s challenges has supported wellbeing, and should be recognised and strengthened Iwi, hapū and marae became centres of excellence for responding to the pandemic. Along with other community hubs

Published: 29 June, 2023

to draw on this workforce’s unique first-hand understanding of distress, addiction and recovery, and to substantially grow and better support this crucial workforce.  “There is a strong case for the peer workforce to play a greater role in supporting people experiencing mental distress or

Published: 10 December, 2020

framework. The framework will support the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s function to monitor mental health services and addiction services and will be used to advocate for improvements to those services. This function was transferred from the Health and Disability Commissioner Act

Published: 13 December, 2023

New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, has a big job ahead of him. Te Hiringa Mahara | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission chair Hayden Wano outlines our top priorities to transform our mental health and addiction system.  The announcement that New Zealand will have

Published: 19 April, 2024

) Amendment Bill are currently being considered by the Health Select Committee. Read our submission (PDF 175 KB) When the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill was introduced by the previous government in October 2021, we advocated for the inclusion of a mental health and addiction strategy under the legislation

Published: 1 May, 2023

, and grow more severe Women, children, and young people, particularly those who are Māori, or from the rainbow community, were particularly affected. Digital technology allowed online violence and abuse to be brought directly into people’s homes, but the digital divide made accessing help difficult for

Published: 20 May, 2025

are failing to address well-established high rates of suicide and mental distress among our young people as a nation. There is overwhelming evidence to show that psychological distress and mental wellbeing for young people is declining over time. New Zealand’s high suicide rates was one of the